Molecular paneling via coordination

This article deals with a coordination approach to three-dimensional assemblies via 'molecular paneling'. Families of planar exo-multidentate organic ligands (molecular panels) are found to assemble into large three-dimensional assemblies through metal-coordination. In particular, cis-protected square planar metals, (en)Pd2+ or (en)Pt2+ (en = ethylenediamine), are shown to be very useful to panel the molecules. Metal-assembled cages, bowls, tubes, capsules, and polyhedra are efficiently constructed by this approach.